DARLINGTON — School was in session Wednesday for Joey Logano.
The 18-year-old Logano was taking notes while getting some pointers from three-time Cup champion Cale Yarborough as the two went around Darlington Raceway.
Logano will be making his first career start at Darlington in next month’s Southern 500, while Yarborough is one of the drivers who has mastered the Lady in Black.
Yarborough is tied with Jeff Gordon for most Southern 500 victories with five, which is fourth on the track’s all-time wins list.
“Meeting Cale and listening to his stories about Darlington was by far one of the coolest things I have ever done,” Logano said.“Just getting out on the track and riding with him was such a neat experience. He definitely had me on the edge of my seat a few times.”
Yarborough took Logano around several laps in a Jeff Gordon Racing School car. The Sardis native’s main tip to Logano was how to maneuver in and out of the turns.
“You got to back out of the throttle a little bit and get the car turned into the corner and back on the throttle as quick as possible,” the 70-year-old Yarborough said. “Not full throttle, but with some power, it gives you a whole lot of control into both turns.”
Yarborough can relate a little to Logano as he attempts to drive at Darlington for the first time.
Yarborough was a year younger than Logano when he made his debut at Darlington in 1957, albeit in different equipment. He drove what he called a “community car”, while Logano is driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, one of NASCAR’s top teams.
“I’d love to be in your shoes,” Yarborough told Logano. “But Joey has a lot talent and I hope I was able to help him a little bit.”
Logano, who won a Nationwide race two weeks ago, has had his share of struggles replacing Tony Stewart in the No. 20 car. He is 33rd in points and his 13th-place finish at Las Vegas is the only time he has landed inside the top 20.
“It’s a different level and the biggest jump I have ever made The competition is just so stiff,” Logano said. “It’s going to take time. But everybody is patient with me and working hard.”
Logano was receptive to Yarborough’s advice and, for that matter, any he can get. He constantly talks to former JGR driver Mike McLaughlin and also received some pointers recently from Donnie Allison about driving at Talladega.
“Whoever is closest to me, I’m going to ask,” Logano said.
Logano took a few laps around Darlington in a rental car last month with teammate Denny Hamlin, who was participating in a Goodyear Tire test.
Still, Logano says the two learning sessions at the track probably won’t prepare him for what he is about to face next month.
“This is one of the most unique tracks we go to, and this is going to be one of the places where my learning curve will be steep,” he said.
Notes
Yarborough has been chosen to drive the pace car for the Southern 500 on May 9. ... David Pearson, Richard Petty, Ned Jarrett, Buddy Baker and Sterling Marlin also will be honored along with all active Darlington winners in a ceremony before the race.
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